Articles of footwear with localized traction regions

ABSTRACT

Articles of footwear with localized traction regions. An article of footwear includes an upper with a shell and a sole assembly coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes an outsole with a traction surface and a heel region from which a heel projects. The sole assembly and the upper collectively define a foot compartment. The traction surface includes a plurality of distinct localized traction regions, each of which has a traction coefficient that is different than that of at least one other localized traction region. The traction surface further defines and/or includes a stirrup glide surface. The stirrup glide surface is configured to permit the article of footwear to be selectively inserted into and removed from a stirrup of a saddle by sliding along a tread surface of the stirrup without obstruction by the stirrup.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/298,361, which is entitled “FOOTWEAR WITH LOCALIZED TRACTION REGIONS,” which was filed on Feb. 22, 2016, and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear with localized traction regions.

BACKGROUND

Riders wearing articles of footwear, such as boots, while engaging in equestrian sporting events may desire functional properties from the articles of footwear that are tailored to the particular event being practiced. For example, equestrian sporting events such as barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping, reining and cutting, and jumping may involve a variety of interactions between a rider's boot and a stirrup into which the boot is received and/or a ground surface with which the boot is in contact. The boot needs to provide sufficient traction to prevent the boot from slipping while within the stirrup, while also not providing so much traction that the boot is difficult to remove from the stirrup when the rider desires to dismount the horse. Moreover, due to the varied movements required for various equestrian sporting events, the desired traction for some portions of an outsole of the boot may differ from the desired traction for other portions. Accordingly, there exists a need for footwear with localized traction regions.

SUMMARY

Articles of footwear with localized traction regions are disclosed herein. An article of footwear according to the present disclosure includes an upper that includes a shell sized and shaped to receive and extend around a foot of a wearer and a sole assembly coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes an outsole with a traction surface positioned on a bottom side of the outsole and a heel region from which a heel projects. The sole assembly and the upper collectively define a foot compartment sized to receive the wearer's foot when the article of footwear is donned by the wearer.

The traction surface includes an arch region proximal to the heel region, a midfoot region on an anterior side of the arch region, a forefoot region on an anterior side of the midfoot region, a toe region on an anterior side of the forefoot region, a lateral portion on a lateral side of the traction surface, a medial portion on a medial side of the traction surface, and a central portion that separates the lateral portion from the medial portion.

The traction surface further includes a plurality of distinct localized traction regions such that each distinct localized traction region has a traction coefficient that is different than the traction coefficient of at least one of the plurality of localized traction regions. The traction coefficient is defined as a ratio of a threshold shear force applied on an engaged surface by the distinct localized traction region to a normal force applied on the distinct localized traction region by the engaged surface when the distinct localized traction region is in static contact with the engaged surface.

The traction surface further defines and/or includes a stirrup glide surface extending from the toe region to the arch region. The stirrup glide surface is configured to permit the article of footwear to be selectively inserted into and removed from a stirrup of a saddle by sliding along a tread surface of the stirrup without obstruction by the stirrup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic side view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic side view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure in relation to a stirrup of a saddle.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating measurement of shear and normal forces according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view representing articles of footwear according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

Articles of footwear according to the present disclosure are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 and generally indicated at 10. As used herein, articles of footwear 10 individually and/or collectively may be referred to as footwear 10. For example, footwear 10 may refer to a single article of footwear 10, a pair of articles of footwear 10 (such as may be simultaneously worn by a wearer), and/or more than two articles of footwear 10.

In the Figures, the same reference numerals are intended to designate like and corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements through the various Figures. Accordingly, when like-numbered elements are shown in two or more Figures, they may not be discussed in each such Figure, and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the preceding discussion, including variants referred to therein, shall apply unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, while like-numbered elements, including illustrative values, materials, constructions, variants thereof, and the like, are described in two or more portions of the present disclosure and/or in connection with two or more Figures, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that these illustrative values, material, constructions, variants thereof, and the like may be applied even if not repeated in the discussion at each such occurrence.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, articles of footwear 10 according to the present disclosure include an upper 12 that includes a shell 14 and may include a shaft 18. Articles of footwear 10 additionally include a sole assembly 20 coupled to upper 12. Sole assembly 20 includes an outsole 22 with a traction surface 40 and a heel region 30 from which a heel 32 projects. Traction surface 40 defines a stirrup glide surface 90 extending across at least a portion of the traction surface. Traction surface 40 additionally or alternatively may be described as including or forming a portion of stirrup glide surface 90.

Upper 12 may be coupled to sole assembly 20, such as to a periphery thereof, and may extend around at least a portion of the wearer's foot when the article of footwear 10 is worn. For example, upper 12 may engage and/or extend around a toe, vamp, and/or heel of the wearer's foot. Thus, upper 12 and sole assembly 20 may be described as collectively defining a foot compartment 16 that is sized to receive a wearer's foot and into which a wearer's foot is inserted and supported when footwear 10 is donned and worn by the wearer. As used herein, foot compartment 16 also may be referred to as a footwear cavity 16. References herein to the wearer's foot contacting or being contacted by portions of sole assembly 20 and/or upper 12 do not require direct physical contact, as a wearer often will include a sock. Additionally or alternatively, references herein to the wearer's foot may refer to the wearer's foot and any sock, stocking, athletic wrap, or other layer that extends around the wearer's foot prior to insertion of the wearer's foot into foot compartment 16.

Upper 12 may be described as including and/or being a shell 14 of footwear 10, and in the case of footwear in the form of boots, also may be described as including a shaft 18 that extends from the shell along the wearer's leg, such as above an Achilles region of the wearer's leg. Shell 14 of upper 12 may be coupled to outsole 22 and may be sized and shaped to receive and extend around a foot of a wearer when footwear 10 is worn. Stated differently, outsole 22 and shell 14 collectively house the wearer's foot when footwear 10 is worn, with the outsole extending generally beneath the wearer's foot, and the shell extending generally around at least the sides and top of the wearer's foot. Shaft 18, which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a chimney 18, may be coupled to shell 14, and may extend upwards from the shell (i.e., in a direction away from the outsole). Shaft 18 may be sized and/or shaped to receive and extend around a lower leg of a wearer of footwear 10. Shaft 18 defines an opening 19 through which a wearer may extend a foot into upper 12 and subsequently into shell 14 to don footwear 10.

The examples illustrated and discussed herein generally relate to heeled articles of footwear, such as equestrian riding boots. However, the present disclosure is not limited to boots, and the various components and characteristics of footwear 10 disclosed herein also may be utilized with any appropriate footwear such as equestrian riding shoes, athletic footwear, and/or casual footwear. As examples, footwear 10 according to the present disclosure may include and/or be shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, athletic footwear, boots, work boots, hiking boots, riding boots, cowboy boots, military footwear, construction industry footwear, recreational shoes, lightweight boots, and/or outdoor boots/shoes. As indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 1, footwear 10 may include or omit shaft 18, and/or may be a shoe, a low-cut boot, a high-top shoe, or a mid-cut boot.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, upper 12 may include one or more adjustable mechanical fasteners 11 configured to be selectively engaged and/or released by a wearer to constrain, reduce, release, increase, and/or otherwise vary a size of upper 12, such as the shell, shaft, and/or foot compartment. As used herein, adjustable mechanical fastener 11 also may be referred to as an adjustable mechanical fastening mechanism 11. Examples of mechanical fasteners 11 include laces, snaps, buckles, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners. When present, mechanical fasteners 11 may be positioned on any appropriate component of upper 12, such as on shell 14 and/or on shaft 18. Alternatively, footwear 10 may not include an adjustable mechanical fastener 11 or another structure for selectively adjusting the size of the shell and/or shaft. For example, and as discussed, footwear 10 may be a boot, such as an equestrian riding boot, and/or may have features commonly associated with such boots. As more specific examples, upper 12, shell 14, and/or shaft 18 may not include a buckle fastener, may not include a hook-and-loop fastener, may not include a zipper fastener, and/or may not include laces.

Heel 32 may be integrally formed with outsole 22, or may not be integrally formed with the outsole. For example, heel 32 may be an external heel 32, a stacked heel 32, and/or a composite heel 32 that is separately formed and subsequently coupled to outsole 22. Sole assembly 20 additionally may include an insole, a midsole, a welt that secures the sole assembly to the shell, and/or a shank that reinforces an arch region of the sole assembly. The components of sole assembly 20 each may include one or more layers of material, and may include more than one layer of material stacked together to compositely form the respective component.

Traction surface 40 of sole assembly 20 is positioned generally on a bottom side of the outsole when a wearer stands upon a flat ground surface while wearing footwear 10. Traction surface 40 includes at least one localized traction region 41 with a corresponding traction quality, and may include a plurality of traction members 60 configured to produce the traction quality. As used herein, localized traction region 41 also may be referred to as a traction region 41.

In an embodiment of footwear 10 in which traction surface 40 includes a plurality of localized traction regions 41, the plurality of localized traction regions may include and/or be a plurality of distinct localized traction regions with corresponding distinct traction qualities. Stated differently, each distinct localized traction region 41 of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions may have a traction quality that is different than at least one, and optionally more than one, other distinct localized traction region of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions.

As used herein, the term “localized,” as used to describe a traction region 41, is intended to refer to a traction region that does not extend fully across traction surface 40 (such as in each of the lateral-medial direction and the anterior-posterior direction), and/or that occupies a subset of an area of traction surface 40 that is less than the full area of the traction surface. As used herein, the term “distinct,” as used to describe a traction region 41 and/or a plurality of traction regions, is intended to refer to a traction region that does not spatially overlap, share a common area with, and/or share a common component with any other traction region. Thus, a traction surface 40 that includes a plurality of distinct localized traction regions 41 optionally may be described as including a plurality of traction regions such that each traction region of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions occupies an area that is less than a total area of the traction surface, and such that each traction region of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions does not spatially overlap any other traction region of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions. Similarly, the term “distinct,” as used to describe the respective traction qualities of distinct localized traction regions 41, is intended to refer to traction qualities that are qualitatively and/or quantitatively different from one another.

As used herein, the terms “upper,” “above,” “top,” “lower,” “below,” “bottom,” and similar terms as used to describe spatial relationships between components of an article of footwear 10, and/or between a component of an article of footwear 10 and a ground surface or other object, are considered from the perspective of the article of footwear 10 positioned in an upright orientation on a level ground surface. Accordingly, a top surface, or top side, refers to a surface or side of a component that generally faces away from the ground surface, and a lower surface, or lower side, refers to a surface or side that generally faces toward the ground surface.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, traction surface 40 may include an arch region 42 proximal to and on an anterior side of heel region 30, a midfoot region 44 on an anterior side of the arch region, and a forefoot region 46 on an anterior side of the midfoot region. Traction surface 40 additionally may include a toe region 48 on an anterior side of forefoot region 46. Arch region 42 may be configured to be spatially removed from (i.e., elevated or otherwise spaced apart from and/or not in contact with) a flat ground surface when a wearer stands upon and/or walks upon the ground surface while wearing footwear 10.

As used herein, the terms “medial,” “central,” “lateral,” “anterior,” “posterior,” and similar terms as used to describe spatial relationships between components of an article of footwear 10 are considered from the perspective of the article of footwear 10 when worn by a wearer standing upright on a level ground surface. Accordingly, a medial surface, or medial side, refers to a surface or side of a component that is proximal a midline of a wearer's body, while a lateral surface, or lateral side, refers to a surface or side of a component that is distal the midline of a wearer's body relative to a medial surface or side. For example, a medial side of an article of footwear 10 worn on a wearer's right foot generally refers to a left side of the article of footwear 10, whereas a lateral side of an article of footwear 10 worn on a wearer's right foot generally refers to a right side of the article of footwear 10. Similarly, an anterior surface, or anterior side, refers to a surface, side, and/or portion of a component that is proximal a toe of a wearer relative to a heel of the wearer, whereas a posterior surface, or posterior side, refers to a surface, side, and/or portion of a component that is proximal a heel of a wearer relative to a toe of the wearer. As an example, a component that is positioned at least substantially forward of a second component may be described as being positioned and/or located on an anterior side of the second component.

Arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 may refer to, or be, discrete or well-defined regions of traction surface 40; may refer to, or be, general regions of the traction surface; and/or may refer to, or be, relative regions of the traction surface. As an example of relative regions of traction surface 40, arch region 42 may be described as separating heel region 30 and midfoot region 44, midfoot region 44 may be described as separating arch region 42 and forefoot region 46, and/or forefoot region 46 may be described as separating midfoot region 44 and toe region 48.

Additionally or alternatively, arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 may be described with reference to portions of traction surface 40 that correspond to portions of a wearer's foot when the wearer wears footwear 10. For example, arch region 42 may refer to a region of traction surface 40 that is positioned generally underneath an arch of a wearer's foot, midfoot region 44 may refer to a region of the traction surface that is positioned generally underneath a midfoot of the wearer's foot, forefoot region 46 may refer to a region of the traction surface that is positioned generally underneath a forefoot of the wearer's foot, and/or toe region 48 may refer to a region of the traction surface that is positioned generally underneath one or more toes of the wearer's foot.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates relative orientations of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and toe region 48 with respect to one another, as well as relative orientations of lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and medial portion 54 with respect to one another. Accordingly, the dashed lines in FIG. 2 are intended to illustrate relative positional relationships of regions of traction surface 40 and are not intended to illustrate particular shapes, sizes, and/or absolute positions of the regions of the traction surface. In FIG. 2, heel portion 30 is schematically represented in dash-dot lines to clarify that traction surface 40 is generally adjacent to, but does not include, the heel portion.

As further schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, traction surface 40 may be described as having a lateral side 26 and/or a medial side 28, and additionally or alternatively may be described as including a lateral portion 50, a central portion 52, and/or a medial portion 54. Each of the lateral portion, the central portion, and the medial portion may extend across one or more of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48. Stated differently, arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 each may be described as having a lateral portion 50, a central portion 52, and/or a medial portion 54, and vice versa. Hence, a given location and/or component of traction surface 40 may be described as being in at least one of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and toe region 48, and also may be described as being in at least one of lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and medial portion 54.

Arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 each may occupy any suitable proportion of traction surface 40. For example, each of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 may individually occupy at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a longitudinal extent of traction surface 40 as measured in an anterior-posterior direction. Two or more of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 may occupy the same, or substantially the same, proportion of the longitudinal extent of traction surface 40, or each region may occupy a unique proportion of the longitudinal extent of the traction surface.

Similarly, lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and/or medial portion 54 each may occupy any suitable proportion of traction surface 40 and/or of a corresponding arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46 and/or toe region 48 thereof. For example, each of lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and/or medial portion 54 may individually occupy at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a transverse extent of traction surface 40 (or of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and/or toe region 48 thereof) as measured in a lateral-medial direction. Two or more of lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and/or medial portion 54 may occupy the same, or substantially the same, proportion of the transverse extent of traction surface 40, or each portion may occupy a unique proportion of the transverse extent of the traction surface.

FIG. 3 is a less schematic illustration of outsole 22 and further illustrates an example of relative positions of regions of traction surface 40. Similar to FIG. 2, the dashed lines in FIG. 3 are intended to illustrate relative orientations of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, and toe region 48 with respect to one another, as well as relative orientations of lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and medial portion 54 with respect to one another. These relative orientations are presented less schematically in FIG. 3 than in FIG. 2; however, the regions of traction surface 40 as illustrated in FIG. 3 are again intended to be illustrative and non-limiting with respect to particular shapes, sizes, and/or absolute positions of the regions. FIG. 3 additionally illustrates traction surface 40 as being positioned on an anterior side of heel region 30.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, an article of footwear 10 may include the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60. As used herein, traction member 60 also may be referred to as a traction element 60. The traction members may be configured, individually and/or collectively, to produce and/or contribute to respective desired traction qualities. For example, outsole 22 may include a first outsole surface 24 that is flat, or at least substantially flat, and further may include spaced-apart traction members 60 that project from the first outsole surface.

Each of the plurality of traction members 60 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or material construction. With reference to FIGS. 4-5, each traction member 60 may be described as including an anterior segment 62 and/or a posterior segment 64. As illustrated in FIG. 4, anterior segment 62 may taper toward first outsole surface 24 at an anterior taper angle 63, and/or posterior segment 64 may taper toward the first outsole surface at a posterior taper angle 65. As illustrated in FIG. 4, anterior taper angle 63 may be defined as an angle between a plane of first outsole surface 24 and a surface of anterior segment 62 as measured through a body of traction member 60, and/or posterior taper angle 65 may be defined as an angle between the plane of the first outsole surface and a surface of posterior segment 64 as measured through the body of the traction member.

Anterior taper angle 63 and/or posterior taper angle 65 may be selected and/or configured to lend any appropriate physical characteristic to traction member 60. For example, posterior taper angle 65 may be sufficiently small that a posterior edge of posterior segment 64 is not prone to being caught on an external object when an article of footwear 10 is moved relative to the object. As a more specific example, the article of footwear 10 may be an equestrian riding boot that may be used in conjunction with a stirrup of a saddle, and the article of footwear may be configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the stirrup without obstruction by the stirrup. Hence, traction surface 40 may include a plurality of traction members 60 with respective posterior taper angles 65 that are sufficiently small (i.e., acute) such that the article of footwear may be withdrawn from the stirrup without an edge of the traction member being obstructed by an edge of the stirrup. Stated differently, some or all of the spaced-apart traction members 60 may lack a posterior edge that is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to first outsole surface 24 and that would thus be prone to snag, or catch, upon an edge of the stirrup when the article of footwear 10 is withdrawn from the stirrup. Additionally or alternatively, anterior taper angle 63 may be greater than posterior taper angle 65. Additionally or alternatively, each of the traction members may be described as lacking a transverse channel extending at least substantially in a lateral-medial direction with a channel edge perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to first outsole surface 24.

Anterior taper angle 63 and posterior taper angle 65 each may have any appropriate magnitude. As examples, anterior taper angle 63 may be more than 5 degrees, more than 10 degrees, more than 20 degrees, more than 30 degrees, more than 40 degrees, more than 45 degrees, more than 50 degrees, more than 60 degrees, more than 70 degrees, more than 80 degrees, more than 90 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 85 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 65 degrees, less than 55 degrees, less than 47 degrees, less than 43 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 15 degrees, and/or less than 7 degrees. Similarly, posterior taper angle 65 may be more than 5 degrees, more than 10 degrees, more than 20 degrees, more than 30 degrees, more than 40 degrees, more than 45 degrees, more than 50 degrees, more than 60 degrees, more than 70 degrees, more than 80 degrees, more than 90 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 85 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 65 degrees, less than 55 degrees, less than 47 degrees, less than 43 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 15 degrees, and/or less than 7 degrees. Anterior taper angle 63 and/or posterior taper angle 65 may be equal, or at least substantially equal, or may be different, such as with the anterior taper angle being greater or less than the posterior taper angle.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60 may be described as having a traction member height 70 as measured in a direction perpendicular, or at least substantially, perpendicular to first outsole surface 24, and the traction member additionally or alternatively may be described as projecting from the first outsole surface by a distance equal, or at least substantially equal, to the traction member height. Each traction member 60 may have any suitable traction member height 70. For example, traction member height 70 may be less than 1 millimeter (mm), less than 2 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 10 mm, and/or less than 15 mm. Each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60 may project approximately the same distance away from first outsole surface 24, and/or may have at least substantially the same traction member height 70. Alternatively, the plurality of traction members 60 may exhibit a variety, range, and/or distribution of respective traction member heights 70. As additionally illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, each traction member 60 may be described as having a traction member length 72, as measured in a generally anterior-posterior direction. For example, traction member length 72 may be greater than 1 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 27 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 17 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 2 mm, and/or less than 1 mm.

While FIG. 4 illustrates traction member 60 as being generally trapezoidal in profile, this is not required, and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the traction member may have any appropriate profile. As used herein, the term “profile,” as used to describe traction member 60, is intended to refer to a geometrical shape of the traction member as viewed from a lateral and/or medial side of outsole 22. For example, traction member 60 may have a profile that is generally triangular, generally rhomboid, generally polygonal, and/or a combination thereof, with each face or surface of the traction member being linear, arcuate, or partial linear and partial arcuate. Anterior segment 62 and posterior segment 64 may have similar profiles, or may have different profiles. In an embodiment in which traction member 60 is not generally rectangular in profile, traction member height 70 and/or traction member length 72 may describe corresponding dimensions of a smallest rectangle that circumscribes the profile of the traction member.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, each traction member 60 may be described as having a traction member width 74, as measured in a generally lateral-medial direction. Traction member length 72 may be smaller than, greater than, equal to, and/or substantially equal to traction member width 74. As examples, traction member width 74 may be greater than 1 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 27 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 17 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 2 mm, and/or less than 1 mm.

While FIG. 5 illustrates traction member 60 as being generally rectangular in shape, this is not required, and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the traction member be any appropriate shape. As used herein, the term “shape,” as used to describe traction member 60, is intended to refer to a geometrical shape of the traction member as viewed from below the outsole 22 (i.e., looking directly at the bottom of the outsole from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the outsole). For example, traction member 60 may have a shape that is generally circular, generally oval, generally polygonal, and/or a combination thereof. Anterior segment 62 and posterior segment 64 may have similar shapes, or may have different shapes. For example, and as illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 5, anterior segment 62 may be generally trapezoidal in shape, and/or posterior segment 64 may be generally triangular in shape. In the illustrated example, traction member 60 additionally or alternatively may be described as having a pentagon shape. In an embodiment in which traction member 60 is not generally rectangular in shape, traction member length 72 and/or traction member width 74 may describe corresponding dimensions of a smallest rectangle that circumscribes the shape of the traction member.

Each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60, and/or portions thereof, may be constructed of any appropriate materials. Anterior segment 62 may be formed from a first material 66, and posterior segment 64 may be formed from a second material 68, such that the first material and the second material may be the same material or different materials. For example, first material 66 may be softer than or harder than second material 68, may be less dense than or more dense than the second material, and/or may have a hardness that is smaller than or greater than a hardness of the second material. One or both of the first material and the second material may include carbon fiber, a composite material, a nylon (such as nylon-6), a thermoplastic material (such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), a rubber, a resin, a polyester, a polyether, a metal, an alloy, a metalloid, and/or combinations thereof. For example, the first material may include, or be, a soft rubber, and/or the second material may include, or be, TPU.

The plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60 may occupy any suitable proportion of traction surface 40. As examples, the plurality of traction members may occupy at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, and/or less than 40% of the traction surface. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60 may occupy any suitable portion of a given traction region 41. As examples, the plurality of traction members may occupy at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, and/or less than 40% of the traction region. Additionally or alternatively, one or more traction regions 41, each of which may include any suitable number and/or configuration of traction members 60, may occupy any suitable proportion of traction surface 40, examples of which include at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, and/or less than 40% of the traction surface.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a distribution of traction members 60 on traction surface 40 of outsole 22. FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment in which each traction member 60 is generally square in shape; however, this is not required to all embodiments and FIG. 6 alternatively may be described as schematically depicting traction members 60 having any of the shapes and/or profiles disclosed herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, traction members 60 may be described as occupying approximately 50% of traction surface 40, and are primarily located in lateral portion 50 of forefoot region 46, central portion 52 of the forefoot region, medial portion 54 of the forefoot region, and the medial portion of midfoot region 44. Collectively, these regions may be described as forming localized traction region 41 that may have a corresponding traction quality that may derive from an individual and/or collective traction property of the traction members 60 located within the traction region.

Traction region 41 may include and/or be any appropriate intersection, union, and/or combination of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, toe region 48, lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and/or medial portion 54. Additionally or alternatively, traction region 41 may be described as being fully contained within, extending partially into, and/or extending into more than one portion and/or region of traction surface 40. Stated differently, a given location, portion, and/or region of traction surface 40 may include a portion of traction region 41, may include an entirety of the traction region, and/or may include more than one traction region. Similarly, a given traction region 41 may include a portion of arch region 42, midfoot region 44, forefoot region 46, toe region 48, lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and/or medial portion 54; may include an entirety of any portion/and or region of traction surface 40; and/or may include more than one portion and/or region of the traction surface.

Each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60, and/or the respective anterior segments 62 and/or posterior segments 64 thereof, may have the same, or substantially the same, size, traction member length 72, traction member width 74, traction member height 70, shape, profile, anterior taper angle 63, posterior taper angle 65, material construction, and/or material property. Alternatively, at least one, or even all, of the spaced-apart traction members and/or the respective anterior segments and/or posterior segments thereof may differ in at least one property compared to at least a subset of a remainder of the traction members and/or segments thereof. For example, each of the plurality of traction members 60 may have a similar size and/or shape, or the size and/or shape of the traction members may vary depending upon a location of the traction member relative to traction surface 40. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60 may include a first subset of traction members and a second subset of traction members such that each traction member in the first subset of traction members is larger, higher, harder, differently shaped, and/or formed from a different material than each traction member in the second subset of traction members.

As discussed, traction surface 40 may include at least one localized traction region 41 with a corresponding traction quality. As used herein, the term “traction quality” may refer to any suitable physical characteristic, property, and/or metric that may be used to describe a traction capability of the corresponding traction region 41, and additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a traction characteristic, a friction characteristic, a static shear force capability, and/or a grip metric. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the traction quality may be a traction coefficient that may be defined as a ratio of a threshold shear force 82 that may be applied to an engaged surface 80 engaged by traction region 41 to an applied normal force 84 simultaneously applied to the traction region. Applied normal force 84 may be applied to traction region 41 by a portion of engaged surface 80, such as the portion of engaged surface 80 that receives threshold shear force 82, and/or may be applied to the traction region by any appropriate component of engaged surface 80 and/or the wearer's foot. Engaged surface 80 may include and/or be any material with which outsole 22 is brought into physical contact. As examples, the engaged surface may include and/or be leather, metal, dirt, concrete, and/or asphalt. Additionally or alternatively, the engaged surface may refer to a surface of a stirrup into which an article of footwear 10 is inserted.

The plurality of spaced-apart traction members 60 may be configured to produce and/or contribute to a predetermined traction quality of traction region 41, such as a traction coefficient, via a configuration of any suitable property thereof. For example, a traction quality of traction region 41 may correspond to a size, shape, taper angle, material construction, and/or hardness of each of at least a subset of the plurality of traction members 60 corresponding to the traction region. Additionally or alternatively, a traction quality of traction region 41 may correspond to a collective property of at least a subset of the plurality of traction members 60 corresponding to the traction region, such as a spatial distribution and/or an areal packing density of traction members 60 corresponding to the traction region.

As discussed, and as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, traction surface 40 may include and/or be stirrup glide surface 90. Stirrup glide surface 90 is configured to permit the article of footwear 10 to be selectively inserted into and removed from a stirrup of a saddle without obstruction by the stirrup. For example, and with reference to FIG. 7, footwear 10 may be configured to be inserted into a stirrup opening 106 of a stirrup 100 and to engage a tread surface 102 of the stirrup, and stirrup glide surface 90 may be configured to slide along tread surface 102 without being stuck, caught, snagged, and/or otherwise obstructed by a component of stirrup 100 (such as tread surface 102 and/or an edge region 104 thereof). Hence, stirrup glide surface 90 may permit a wearer to mount and dismount a saddle on which stirrup 100 is installed without the wearer's foot getting stuck, caught, snagged, and/or otherwise obstructed by the stirrup.

Stirrup glide surface 90 may include and/or be any appropriate portion of traction surface 40. For example, stirrup glide surface 90 may extend from toe region 48 to arch region 42 and/or from lateral portion 50 to medial portion 54. Additionally or alternatively, stirrup glide surface 90 may include at least one, and optionally all, of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions 41.

Stirrup glide surface 90 may include and/or lack (i.e., be free from and/or not include) any appropriate structure to permit the stirrup glide surface to slide along tread surface 102 of stirrup 100. For example, stirrup glide surface 90 may lack a ledge that extends from lateral portion 50 to medial portion 54 and in a direction perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis of traction surface 40, as such a ledge may be susceptible to being caught on edge region 104 of tread surface 102 when footwear 10 is inserted into and/or removed from stirrup opening 106. Additionally or alternatively, stirrup glide surface 90 may be sufficiently flat, uniform, and/or smooth so as to lack a feature that extends from and/or is recessed into a remainder of the stirrup glide surface by an extent sufficient to obstruct the stirrup glide surface from sliding along tread surface 102. As a more specific example, stirrup glide surface 90 may have an average glide surface depth 92, as measured from first outsole surface 24, and the stirrup glide surface may not include a feature, traction member, or other component that has a depth that differs from average glide surface depth 92 by more than a threshold glide surface offset. The threshold glide surface offset may be any appropriate proportion of average glide surface depth, examples of which include less than 5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 100%, and/or more than 100% of the average glide surface depth. FIGS. 7-8 depict stirrup glide surface 90 with an exaggerated depth and a simplified shape to schematically illustrate a positional orientation of the stirrup glide surface with respect to a remainder of footwear 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, applied normal force 84 may be applied to traction region 41 by engaged surface 80 in a direction perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the traction region, while threshold shear force 82 may be applied to the engaged surface by the traction region in a direction substantially parallel to the traction region, such as in a direction at least substantially parallel to an anterior-posterior direction. Stated differently, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, threshold shear force 82 may refer to a force that is applied in either the anterior direction or the posterior direction. Specifically, the term “threshold shear force” may refer to a threshold force that may be applied to engaged surface 80 by traction region 41 in the direction substantially (or completely) parallel to the traction region while maintaining the traction region in static contact with the engaged surface. Stated differently, traction region 41 may be configured such that engaged surface 80 exerts a traction force on traction region 41 that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction relative to a shear force exerted on the engaged surface by the traction region, and threshold shear force 82 may refer to a force that may be applied to the engaged surface by the traction region in the direction substantially parallel to the traction region to counteract the traction force such that the traction region does not slip relative to the engaged surface. Stated yet another way, threshold shear force 82 may be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction relative to a maximum traction force that engaged surface 80 may exert on traction region 41 when the traction region is in static contact with the engaged surface. Threshold shear force 82 also may be referred to as a maximum shear force when it refers to a maximum force that may be applied to engaged surface 80 by traction region 41 in the direction substantially (or completely) parallel to the traction region while maintaining the traction region in static contact with the engaged surface.

A traction quality of traction region 41 additionally may be characterized by a traction direction associated with the corresponding traction coefficient. For example, the traction direction may refer to a direction, such as an anterior direction and/or a posterior direction, in which threshold shear force 82 is applied to engaged surface 80 by traction region 41 to determine the corresponding traction coefficient. Additionally or alternatively, the traction direction may refer to a direction in which threshold shear force 82 is applied to engaged surface 80 by traction region 41 during any appropriate activity, such as while mounting a horse, while riding the horse, while dismounting the horse, and/or while striding upon a ground surface.

Stated differently, the traction direction may refer to a direction that is opposite the direction of the traction force applied to traction region 41 by engaged surface 80 to maintain the traction region in static contact with the engaged surface. Hence, a given traction coefficient may be described as having, or corresponding to, a traction direction, and/or a given traction region 41 may be described as having each of a traction coefficient and a traction direction. It is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that a given traction region 41 may have and/or be characterized by a plurality of traction coefficients in a corresponding plurality of traction directions. As examples, a given traction region 41 may have a traction coefficient corresponding to one of the anterior direction and the posterior direction, may have a traction coefficient corresponding to both of the anterior direction and the posterior direction, and/or may have a first traction coefficient corresponding to the anterior direction and a second traction coefficient corresponding to the posterior direction, such that the second traction coefficient is different than the first traction coefficient. Similarly, a given traction region 41 equivalently may be described as having a traction coefficient and (for example) a posterior traction direction, may be described as having the traction coefficient in the posterior traction direction, may be described as having the traction coefficient in the posterior direction, and/or the traction coefficient may be described as having and/or being in the posterior direction and/or the posterior traction direction.

Threshold shear force 82, applied normal force 84, and/or the traction direction may be quantified and/or measured in any suitable manner. For example, a normal force may be measured with one or more capacitive force measuring sensors, which may be positioned in sole assembly 20 for the purposes of quantifying the normal force. As a more specific example, a localized normal force may be measured by placing a plurality of capacitive force measuring sensors in an insole of sole assembly 20 in such a configuration that the plurality of sensors is at least substantially evenly distributed across an area of the insole corresponding to a given traction region 41. In such a configuration, a simultaneous measurement of a normal force measured by each sensor of the plurality of sensors may provide a measurement of a total magnitude of a normal force exerted on traction region 41 as well as a measurement of a spatial distribution of normal forces exerted on traction region 41.

Similarly, a shear force, such as threshold shear force 82, and/or a traction direction may be measured with one or more strain gauges operatively coupled to engaged surface 80. For example, a shear force measurement apparatus may be configured to resemble a stirrup, and may include a plurality of thin-beam load cells, each of which may include a plurality of strain gauges oriented in a full bridge configuration. Each thin-beam load cell may be coupled to engaged surface 80 in the form of an upper plate, which may be configured to slide in an anterior/posterior direction. In such a configuration, a frictional interaction between traction region 41 and engaged surface 80 may yield a shear force exerted on the engaged surface by the traction region, causing a deformation of the thin-beam load cells that yields an electrical signal that may be measured to quantify the magnitude and/or direction of the shear force.

Additionally or alternatively, a traction coefficient may be quantified and/or measured in any suitable manner, examples of which may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0130370, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Traction surface 40 of outsole 22 may include any suitable quantity of distinct traction regions 41 with corresponding traction qualities, such as corresponding traction coefficients with corresponding traction directions. As examples, traction surface 40 may include two distinct traction regions, three distinct traction regions, four distinct traction regions, five distinct traction regions, more than five distinct traction regions, more than ten distinct traction regions, fewer than twenty distinct traction regions, fewer than fifteen distinct traction regions, fewer than ten distinct traction regions, and/or fewer than five distinct traction regions.

Traction surface 40 of outsole 22 may have one or more distinct traction regions 41 with any appropriate respective traction coefficients. For example, lateral portion 50 and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46 and lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 each may have traction coefficients that are greater than 1.0, greater than 1.5, and/or greater than 2.0.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46 and lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 each may have traction coefficients that are greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.0, greater than 1.5, and/or greater than 2.0.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, less than 1.3, and/or less than 1.1.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is in the range of 0.9-1.2 and/or in the range of 1.0-1.1

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, less than 1.3, and/or less than 1.1.

Additionally or alternatively, medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, less than 1.3, and/or less than 1.1.

Additionally or alternatively, forefoot region 46 may have an average traction coefficient that is greater than an average traction coefficient of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of each of lateral portion 50 and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.5 and/or greater than 2.0.

Additionally or alternatively, a majority of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.5 and/or greater than 2.0.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is at least 50% greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is at least 50% greater than a traction coefficient of each of central portion 52, lateral portion 50, and medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, toe region 48 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, toe region 48 may have a traction coefficient that is less than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of forefoot region 46.

Additionally or alternatively, toe region 48 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.0.

Additionally or alternatively, toe region 48 may have a traction coefficient that is less than a traction coefficient of medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, toe region 48 may have a traction coefficient that is less than a traction coefficient of lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, less than 1.3, and/or less than 1.1.

Additionally or alternatively, medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of forefoot region 46.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of forefoot region 46.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46 each may have traction coefficients that are greater than 1.5, and optionally greater than 2.0.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 may have a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, less than 1.3, and/or less than 1.1.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of central portion 52 of forefoot region 46.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of each of lateral portion 50, medial portion 54, and central portion 52 of forefoot region 46.

Additionally or alternatively, lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 may have a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.5 and/or greater than 2.0.

Additionally or alternatively, central portion 52 and medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44 each may have traction coefficients that are less than 1.5, less than 1.3, and/or less than 1.1.

FIGS. 9-13 provide examples of outsoles 22 with various quantities, orientations, and distributions of traction regions 41. Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates traction surface 40 of outsole 22 with a first traction region 141 generally located in lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46, a second traction region 142 generally located in central portion 52 of midfoot region 44, and a third traction region 143 generally located in lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 and lateral portion 50 of arch region 42. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as reining and cutting events.

In the embodiment of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 9, first traction region 141, second traction region 142, and third traction region 143 may be characterized by any appropriate respective traction coefficients and/or traction directions, such as may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as reining and cutting events. As an example, such an embodiment of footwear 10 may be configured such that first traction region 141 has a traction coefficient of 1.4 in the posterior traction direction, second traction region 142 has a traction coefficient of 0.6 in the posterior traction direction, and third traction region 143 has a traction coefficient of 0.9 in the posterior traction direction.

FIG. 10 illustrates traction surface 40 of outsole 22 with a first traction region 241 generally located in medial portion 54 of toe region 48, a second traction region 242 generally located in central portion 52 and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46, a third traction region 243 generally located in medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44 and arch region 42, a fourth traction region 244 generally located in central portion 52 of midfoot region 44 and arch region 42, and a fifth traction region 245 generally located in lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 and arch region 42. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as barrel-racing events.

In the embodiment of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 10, first traction region 241, second traction region 242, third traction region 243, fourth traction region 244, and fifth traction region 245 may be characterized by any appropriate respective traction coefficients and/or traction directions, such as may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as barrel-racing events. As an example, such an embodiment of footwear 10 may be configured such that first traction region 241 has a traction coefficient of 1.2 in the anterior traction direction, second traction region 242 has a traction coefficient of 2.3 in the posterior traction direction, third traction region 243 has a traction coefficient of 1.4 in the posterior traction direction, fourth traction region 244 has a traction coefficient of 1.1 in the posterior traction direction, and fifth traction region 245 has a traction coefficient of 2.0 in the posterior traction direction.

FIG. 11 illustrates traction surface 40 of outsole 22 with a first traction region 341 generally located in medial portion 54 and central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 and in a portion of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44, a second traction region 342 generally located in lateral portion 50 of forefoot region 46, a third traction region 343 generally located in medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44, in a portion of central portion 52 of midfoot region 44, and in a lateral portion 50 of arch region 42, and a fourth traction region 344 generally located in lateral portion 50 of midfoot region 44 and in central portion 52 and lateral portion 50 of arch region 42. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as team-roping events.

In the embodiment of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 11, first traction region 341, second traction region 342, third traction region 343, and fourth traction region 344 may be characterized by any appropriate respective traction coefficients and/or traction directions, such as may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as team-roping events. As an example, such an embodiment of footwear 10 may be configured such that first traction region 341 has a traction coefficient of 1.9 in the anterior traction direction, second and third traction regions 342 and 343 each have a traction coefficient of 0.9 in the posterior traction direction, and fourth traction region 344 has a traction coefficient of 2.3 in the posterior traction direction.

FIG. 12 illustrates traction surface 40 of outsole 22 with a first traction region 441 generally located in lateral portion 50, central portion 52, and medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46 and a second traction region 442 generally located in medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44 and arch region 42. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as tie-down roping events.

In the embodiment of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 12, first traction region 441 and second traction region 442 may be characterized by any appropriate respective traction coefficients and/or traction directions, such as may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as tie-down roping events. As an example, such an embodiment of footwear 10 may be configured such that first traction region 441 has a traction coefficient of 1.7 in each of the anterior and posterior traction directions, and second traction region 442 has a traction coefficient of 2.4 in the posterior traction direction.

FIG. 13 illustrates traction surface 40 of outsole 22 with a first traction region 541 generally located in medial portion 54 of forefoot region 46, a second traction region 542 generally located in central portion 52 of forefoot region 46 and in central portion 52 and medial portion 54 of midfoot region 44, and a third traction region 543 generally located in lateral portion 50 of forefoot region 46 and midfoot region 44. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as English jumping events.

In the embodiment of footwear 10 illustrated in FIG. 13, first traction region 541, second traction region 542, and third traction region 543 may be characterized by any appropriate respective traction coefficients and/or traction directions, such as may be particularly suitable for articles of footwear 10 employed during equestrian sporting events such as English jumping events. As an example, such an embodiment of footwear 10 may be configured such that first and third traction regions 541 and 543 each have a traction coefficient of 2.3 in the posterior traction direction, and second traction region 542 has a traction coefficient of 1.0 in the posterior traction direction.

Each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 is presented as an illustrative, non-exclusive example, and it is within the scope of the present disclosure that traction regions 41 may vary from those illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 and/or that traction coefficients and/or traction directions may vary from those presented in connection with each of FIGS. 9-13. For example, an embodiment of any of FIGS. 9-13 may include a traction surface 40 with fewer traction regions 41 than illustrated or more traction regions than illustrated, and/or the traction regions of a given embodiment may be varied in location relative to outsole 22. Additionally or alternatively, an embodiment of any of FIGS. 9-13 may include a traction region 41 with a corresponding traction coefficient that is greater than or less than the traction coefficients discussed above in connection with each of FIGS. 9-13 by a difference that is less than 1.0, less than 0.8, less than 0.6, less than 0.4, less than 0.2, at least 0.1, at least 0.2, at least 0.3, at least 0.4, and/or at least 0.5. Additionally or alternatively, an embodiment of any of FIGS. 9-13 may include a traction region 41 with a corresponding traction direction that differs from the illustrated direction, and that may be in the anterior direction, in the posterior direction, and/or in both the anterior and posterior directions.

Additionally, heel 32 may define a heel traction surface 34 configured to contact a flat ground surface when a wearer walks upon the flat ground surface while wearing an article of footwear 10. Heel traction surface 34 may include one or more different and/or distinct heel traction regions 35 with respectively different and/or distinct traction qualities. Heel traction surface 34 and/or heel traction region 35 thereof may have a traction coefficient that is greater than 0.5, greater than 1, greater than 1.3, greater than 1.5, greater than 2, greater than 2.3, greater than 2.5, greater than 3, less than 3.5, less than 2.7, less than 2.4, less than 2.2, less than 1.7, less than 1.4, less than 1.2, and/or less than 0.7. Heel traction surface 34 and/or heel traction region 35 thereof additionally or alternatively may have an anterior traction direction and/or a posterior traction direction.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of wearer manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus.

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as being configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entries listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities optionally may be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising,” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities, should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

Examples of stirrup-compatible articles of footwear, which may be equestrian riding boots, with localized traction regions according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs.

A1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper that includes at least a shell; and

a sole assembly coupled to the upper, the sole assembly including an outsole with a traction surface positioned generally on a bottom side of the outsole when a wearer stands upon a flat ground surface while wearing the article of footwear and a heel region from which a heel of the article of footwear projects;

wherein the sole assembly and the upper collectively define a foot compartment that is sized to receive a wearer's foot when the article of footwear is donned by the wearer, and wherein the traction surface includes at least one localized traction region with a corresponding traction quality.

A2. The article of footwear of paragraph A1, wherein the article of footwear is a boot, a Western boot, a riding boot, an equestrian riding boot, and/or a cowboy boot.

A3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the traction surface includes an arch region proximal to the heel region, a midfoot region on an anterior side of the arch region, and a forefoot region on an anterior side of the midfoot region.

A4. The article of footwear of paragraph A3, wherein the traction surface further includes a toe region on an anterior side of the forefoot region.

A5. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A3-A4, wherein the arch region of the traction surface separates the heel region and the midfoot region of the traction surface.

A6. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A3-A5, wherein the midfoot region of the traction surface separates the arch region of the traction surface and the forefoot region of the traction surface.

A7. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A4-A6, wherein the forefoot region of the traction surface separates the midfoot region of the traction surface and the toe region of the traction surface.

A8. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A3-A7, wherein the arch region of the traction surface does not contact the flat ground surface when the wearer stands and/or walks upon the ground surface while wearing the article of footwear.

A9. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A3-A8, wherein the arch region of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a longitudinal extent of the traction surface as measured in an anterior-posterior direction.

A10. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A3-A9, wherein the midfoot region of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a longitudinal extent of the traction surface as measured in an anterior-posterior direction.

A11. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A3-A10, wherein the forefoot region of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a longitudinal extent of the traction surface as measured in an anterior-posterior direction.

A12. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A4-A11, wherein the toe region of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a longitudinal extent of the traction surface as measured in an anterior-posterior direction.

A13. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the traction surface further includes a lateral portion, a medial portion, and a central portion that separates the lateral portion from the medial portion.

A14. The article of footwear of paragraph A13, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion, the medial portion, and/or the central portion each extend across at least one of the arch region, the midfoot region, the forefoot region, and a/the toe region.

A15. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A14, wherein the lateral portion of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a transverse extent of the traction surface as measured in a lateral-medial direction.

A16. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A15, wherein the central portion of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a transverse extent of the traction surface as measured in a lateral-medial direction.

A17. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A16, wherein the medial portion of the traction surface occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, less than 100%, less than 90%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 57%, less than 53%, less than 47%, less than 43%, less than 37%, less than 33%, less than 27%, less than 23%, less than 17%, less than 13%, less than 7%, and/or less than 3% of a transverse extent of the traction surface as measured in a lateral-medial direction.

A18. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein the outsole includes a first outsole surface that is flat, or at least substantially flat, and further wherein the traction surface includes a plurality of spaced-apart traction members that project from the first outsole surface.

A19. The article of footwear of paragraph A18, wherein each of the plurality of traction members includes an anterior segment and a posterior segment.

A20. The article of footwear of paragraph A19, wherein the posterior segment of each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members includes a posterior surface that tapers toward the first outsole surface at a posterior taper angle.

A21. The article of footwear of paragraph A20, wherein the posterior taper angle is more than 5 degrees, more than 10 degrees, more than 20 degrees, more than 30 degrees, more than 40 degrees, more than 45 degrees, more than 50 degrees, more than 60 degrees, more than 70 degrees, more than 80 degrees, more than 90 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 85 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 65 degrees, less than 55 degrees, less than 47 degrees, less than 43 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 15 degrees, and/or less than 7 degrees.

A22. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A19-A21, wherein the anterior segment of each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members includes an anterior surface that tapers toward the first outsole surface at an anterior taper angle.

A23. The article of footwear of paragraph A22, wherein the anterior taper angle is more than 5 degrees, more than 10 degrees, more than 20 degrees, more than 30 degrees, more than 40 degrees, more than 45 degrees, more than 50 degrees, more than 60 degrees, more than 70 degrees, more than 80 degrees, more than 90 degrees, less than 100 degrees, less than 85 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 65 degrees, less than 55 degrees, less than 47 degrees, less than 43 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 15 degrees, and/or less than 7 degrees.

A24. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A23, wherein each of the plurality of traction members has a traction member length measured in a generally anterior-posterior direction and a traction member width measured in a generally lateral-medial direction.

A25. The article of footwear of paragraph A24, wherein the traction member length is greater than the traction member width.

A26. The article of footwear of paragraph A24, wherein the traction member length is less than the traction member width.

A27. The article of footwear of paragraph A24, wherein the traction member length is equal, or at least substantially equal, to the traction member width.

A28. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A24-A27, wherein the traction member length is greater than 1 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 27 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 17 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 2 mm, and/or less than 1 mm.

A29. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A24-A28, wherein the traction member width is greater than 1 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 27 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 17 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 2 mm, and/or less than 1 mm.

A30. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A22-A29, when dependent upon paragraph A20, wherein the anterior taper angle is greater than the posterior taper angle.

A31. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A30, wherein at least one traction member of the plurality of traction members is generally rectangular in shape.

A32. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A31, wherein at least one traction member of the plurality of traction members is generally circular in shape.

A33. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A32, wherein at least one traction member of the plurality of traction members is generally oval in shape.

A34. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A33, wherein at least one traction member of the plurality of traction members is generally polygonal in shape.

A35. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A19-A34, wherein the anterior segment of each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members is formed from a first material and the posterior segment of each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members is formed from a second material that is different than the first material.

A36. The article of footwear of paragraph A35, wherein the first material is softer than the second material.

A37. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A35-A36, wherein the first material is less dense than the second material.

A38. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A35-A37, wherein the first material has a hardness that is smaller than a hardness of the second material.

A39. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A35-A38, wherein the first material and/or the second material includes carbon fiber, a composite material, a nylon (e.g., nylon-6), a thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), a rubber, a resin, a polyester, a polyether, a metal, an alloy, a metalloid, and/or combinations thereof.

A40. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A35-A39, wherein the first material includes a soft rubber.

A41. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A35-A40, wherein the second material includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

A42. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A41, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart traction members includes a first subset of traction members that each are larger than a second subset of traction members.

A43. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A42, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members project less than 1 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 10 mm, and/or less than 15 mm from the first outsole surface.

A44. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A43, wherein all of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members project approximately the same distance away from the first outsole surface.

A45. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A44, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members lacks a posterior edge that is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the first outsole surface.

A46. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A45, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members are configured such that the article of footwear may be withdrawn from a stirrup without an edge of a traction member being obstructed by an edge of the stirrup.

A47. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A46, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members lacks a transverse channel extending at least substantially in a lateral-medial direction with a channel edge perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the first outsole surface.

A48. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A47, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart traction members occupy at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and/or at least 99% of the traction surface.

A49. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A48, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the traction surface further defines and/or includes a stirrup glide surface extending from the toe region of the traction surface to the arch region of the traction surface.

A50. The article of footwear of paragraph A49, wherein the stirrup glide surface is configured to permit the article of footwear to be selectively inserted into and removed from a stirrup of a saddle by sliding along a tread of the stirrup without obstruction by the stirrup.

A51. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A49-A50, wherein the stirrup glide surface includes a plurality of distinct localized traction regions.

A52. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A49-A51, when dependent upon paragraph A13, wherein the stirrup glide surface further extends from the lateral portion of the traction surface to the medial portion of the traction surface.

A53. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A49-A52, when dependent upon paragraph A13, wherein the stirrup glide surface lacks a ledge that extends from the lateral portion of the traction surface to the medial portion of the traction surface and in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the traction surface.

A54. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A49-A53, when dependent upon paragraph A18, wherein the outsole includes a/the first outsole surface that is flat, or at least substantially flat, wherein the stirrup glide surface has an average glide surface depth, as measured from the first outsole surface, and wherein the stirrup glide surface does not include a feature that has a depth that differs from the average glide surface depth by more than a threshold glide surface offset.

A55. The article of footwear of paragraph A54, wherein the threshold glide surface offset is at least one of less than 5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 100%, and more than 100% of the average glide surface depth.

A56. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A55, wherein the traction quality is characterized by a traction coefficient defined as a ratio of a threshold shear force to an applied normal force when the at least one traction region is in static contact with an engaged surface.

A57. The article of footwear of paragraph A56, wherein the applied normal force is applied to the at least one traction region by the engaged surface in a direction perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the at least one traction region.

A58. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A56-A57, wherein the threshold shear force is applied to the engaged surface by the at least one traction region in a direction parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the traction surface, and further wherein the threshold shear force is a force that may be applied to the engaged surface by the at least one traction region while maintaining the at least one traction region in static contact with the engaged surface.

A59. The article of footwear of paragraph A58, wherein the threshold shear force is applied in a direction parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to an anterior-posterior direction of the outsole.

A60. The article of footwear of paragraph A59, wherein the traction quality is further characterized by a traction direction associated with the traction coefficient, wherein the traction direction corresponds to an anterior and/or posterior direction in which the threshold shear force is applied to the engaged surface by the traction region.

A61. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A56-A60, wherein the engaged surface includes leather, metal, dirt, concrete, and/or asphalt.

A62. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A56-A61, wherein the engaged surface includes a/the tread surface of a/the stirrup.

A63. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A62, wherein the traction surface includes a/the plurality of distinct localized traction regions.

A64. The article of footwear of paragraph A63, wherein each localized traction region of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions has a traction coefficient that is different from the traction coefficient of at least one of the plurality of distinct localized traction regions.

A65. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A63-A64, when dependent upon paragraphs A3 and A13, wherein the plurality of distinct traction regions includes a longitudinal traction region that extends across at least two of the arch region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region and a transverse traction region that extends across at least two of the lateral portion, the central portion, and the medial portion.

A66. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A65, wherein the traction surface includes one traction region, two distinct traction regions, three distinct traction regions, four distinct traction regions, five distinct traction regions, more than five distinct traction regions, and/or more than 10 distinct traction regions.

A67. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A66, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion and the medial portion of the forefoot region and the lateral portion of the midfoot region each have traction coefficients that are greater than 1.0, and optionally greater than 1.5, and further optionally greater than 2.0.

A68. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A67, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion and the medial portion of the forefoot region and the lateral portion of the midfoot region each have traction coefficients that are greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the midfoot region.

A69. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A68, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.0, and optionally greater than 1.5, and further optionally greater than 2.0.

A70. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A69, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, optionally less than 1.3, and further optionally less than 1.1.

A71. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A70, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is in the range of 0.9-1.2, and optionally in the range of 1.0-1.1.

A72. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A71, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, optionally less than 1.3, and further optionally less than 1.1.

A73. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A72, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the medial midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, optionally less than 1.3, and further optionally less than 1.1.

A74. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A73, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the forefoot region has an average traction coefficient that is greater than an average traction coefficient of the midfoot region.

A75. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A74, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of each of the lateral portion and the medial portion of the forefoot region.

A76. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A75, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.5, and optionally greater than 2.0.

A77. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A76, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein a majority of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.5, and optionally greater than 2.0.

A78. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A77, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is at least 50% greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the midfoot region.

A79. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A78, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is at least 50% greater than a traction coefficient of each of the central portion, the lateral portion, and the medial portion of the midfoot region.

A80. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A79, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the toe region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the midfoot region.

A81. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A80, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the toe region has a traction coefficient that is less than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the forefoot region.

A82. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A81, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the toe region has a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.0.

A83. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A82, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the toe region has a traction coefficient that is less than a traction coefficient of the medial portion of the midfoot region.

A84. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A83, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the toe region has a traction coefficient that is less than a traction coefficient of the lateral portion of the midfoot region.

A85. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A84, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the midfoot region.

A86. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A85, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the lateral portion of the midfoot region.

A87. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A86, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the medial portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the midfoot region.

A88. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A87, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, and optionally less than 1.3, and further optionally less than 1.1.

A89. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A88, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the medial portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the forefoot region.

A90. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A89, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the forefoot region.

A91. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A90, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion and the medial portion of the forefoot region each have traction coefficients that are greater than 1.5, and optionally greater than 2.0.

A92. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A91, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion of the forefoot region has a traction coefficient that is less than 1.5, and optionally less than 1.3, and further optionally less than 1.1.

A93. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A92, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the medial portion of the midfoot region.

A94. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A93, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the midfoot region.

A95. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A94, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of the central portion of the forefoot region.

A96. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A95, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than a traction coefficient of each of the lateral, medial, and central portions of the forefoot region.

A97. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A96, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the lateral portion of the midfoot region has a traction coefficient that is greater than 1.5, and optionally greater than 2.0.

A98. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A97, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the central portion and the medial portion of the midfoot region each have traction coefficients that are less than 1.5, and optionally less than 1.3, and further optionally less than 1.1.

A99. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A98, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the traction surface includes:

-   -   (i) a first traction region located in the lateral portion of         the forefoot region, the central portion of the forefoot region,         and the medial portion of the forefoot region;     -   (ii) a second traction region located in the central portion of         the midfoot region; and     -   (iii) a third traction region located in the lateral portion of         the midfoot region and the lateral portion of the arch region.

A100. The article of footwear of paragraph A99, wherein:

-   -   (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.4         in a posterior traction direction;     -   (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of         0.6 in the posterior traction direction; and     -   (iii) the third traction region has a traction coefficient of         0.9 in the posterior traction direction.

A101. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A98, when dependent upon paragraph A4, wherein the traction surface includes:

-   -   (i) a first traction region located in the medial portion of the         toe region;     -   (ii) a second traction region located in the central portion of         the forefoot region and the medial portion of the forefoot         region;     -   (iii) a third traction region located in the medial portion of         the midfoot region and the medial portion of the arch region;     -   (iv) a fourth traction region located in the central portion of         the midfoot region and the central portion of the arch region;         and     -   (v) a fifth traction region located in the lateral portion of         the midfoot region and the lateral portion of the arch region.

A102. The article of footwear of paragraph A101, wherein:

-   -   (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.2         in an anterior traction direction;     -   (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of         2.3 in a posterior traction direction;     -   (iii) the third traction region has a traction coefficient of         1.4 in the posterior traction direction;     -   (iv) the fourth traction region has a traction coefficient of         1.1 in the posterior traction direction; and     -   (v) the fifth traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.0         in the posterior traction direction.

A103. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A98, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the traction surface includes:

-   -   (i) a first traction region located in the medial portion of the         forefoot region, the central portion of the forefoot region, and         the central portion of the midfoot region;     -   (ii) a second traction region located in the lateral portion of         the forefoot region;     -   (iii) a third traction region located in the medial portion of         the midfoot region, the central portion of the midfoot region,         and the lateral portion of the arch region; and     -   (iv) a fourth traction region located in the lateral portion of         the midfoot region, the central portion of the arch region, and         the lateral portion of the arch region.

A104. The article of footwear of paragraph A103, wherein:

-   -   (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.9         in an anterior traction direction;     -   (ii) each of the second traction region and the third traction         region has a traction coefficient of 0.9 in a posterior traction         direction; and     -   (iii) the fourth traction region has a traction coefficient of         2.3 in the posterior traction direction.

A105. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A98, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the traction surface includes:

-   -   (i) a first traction region located in the lateral portion of         the forefoot region, the central portion of the forefoot region,         and the medial portion of the forefoot region; and     -   (ii) a second traction region located in the medial portion of         the midfoot region and the medial portion of the arch region.

A106. The article of footwear of paragraph A105, wherein:

-   -   (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.7         in an anterior traction direction and in a posterior traction         direction; and     -   (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of         2.4 in the posterior traction direction.

A107. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A13-A98, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the traction surface includes:

-   -   (i) a first traction region located in the medial portion of the         forefoot region;     -   (ii) a second traction region located in the central portion of         forefoot region, the central portion of the midfoot region, and         the medial portion of the midfoot region; and     -   (iii) a third traction region located in the lateral portion of         the forefoot region and the lateral portion of the midfoot         region.

A108. The article of footwear of paragraph A107, wherein:

-   -   (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.3         in a posterior traction direction;     -   (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of         1.0 in the posterior traction direction; and     -   (iii) the third traction region has a traction coefficient of         2.3 in the posterior traction direction.

A109. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A108, when dependent upon paragraph A3, wherein the heel defines a heel traction surface configured to contact the flat ground surface when the wearer walks upon the flat ground surface while wearing the article of footwear.

A110. The article of footwear of paragraph A109, wherein the heel traction surface has a traction coefficient that is greater than 0.5, greater than 1, greater than 1.3, greater than 1.5, greater than 2, greater than 2.3, greater than 2.5, greater than 3, less than 3.5, less than 2.7, less than 2.4, less than 2.2, less than 1.7, less than 1.4, less than 1.2, and/or less than 0.7.

A111. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A110, wherein the upper further includes a shaft.

A112. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A111, wherein the upper is free of a mechanical fastening mechanism configured to be selectively engaged and/or released by the wearer to selectively adjust the size of the upper.

A113. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A112, wherein the heel is not integrally formed with the outsole.

A114. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A112, wherein the heel is integrally formed with the outsole.

A115. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A114, wherein the heel is a composite heel.

A116. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A115, wherein the sole assembly further includes a shank.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to the footwear industry.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure. 

1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper that includes a shell sized and shaped to receive and extend around a foot of a wearer; and a sole assembly coupled to the upper, the sole assembly including: an outsole with a traction surface positioned on a bottom side of the outsole when the wearer stands upon a flat ground surface while wearing the article of footwear; and a heel region from which a heel projects; wherein the sole assembly and the upper collectively define a foot compartment sized to receive a wearer's foot when the article of footwear is donned by the wearer; wherein the traction surface includes: an arch region proximal to the heel region; a midfoot region on an anterior side of the arch region; a forefoot region on an anterior side of the midfoot region; a toe region on an anterior side of the forefoot region; a lateral portion on a lateral side of the traction surface; a medial portion on a medial side of the traction surface; a central portion that separates the lateral portion from the medial portion; and a plurality of distinct localized traction regions, wherein each distinct localized traction region has a traction coefficient that is different than the traction coefficient of at least one of the plurality of localized traction regions; wherein the traction coefficient is defined as a ratio of a threshold shear force applied on an engaged surface by the distinct localized traction region to a normal force applied on the distinct localized traction region by the engaged surface when the distinct localized traction region is in static contact with the engaged surface; and wherein the traction surface defines a stirrup glide surface extending from the toe region of the traction surface to the arch region of the traction surface; wherein the stirrup glide surface is configured to permit the article of footwear to be selectively inserted into and removed from a stirrup of a saddle by sliding along a tread surface of the stirrup without obstruction by the stirrup.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the stirrup glide surface includes the plurality of distinct localized traction regions.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the stirrup glide surface further extends from the lateral portion of the traction surface to the medial portion of the traction surface.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the stirrup glide surface lacks a ledge that extends from the lateral portion of the traction surface to the medial portion of the traction surface and in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the traction surface.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole includes a first outsole surface that is flat, wherein the stirrup glide surface has an average glide surface depth, as measured from the first outsole surface, and wherein the stirrup glide surface does not include a feature that has a depth that differs from the average glide surface depth by more than 50% of the average glide surface depth.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the threshold shear force is applied to the engaged surface by the localized traction region in a direction parallel to the traction surface, and further wherein the threshold shear force is a force that may be applied to the engaged surface by the localized traction region while maintaining the localized traction region in static contact with the engaged surface.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes a longitudinal traction region that extends across as least two of the arch region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region and a transverse traction region that extends across at least two of the lateral portion, the central portion, and the medial portion.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes a first traction region with a first traction coefficient positioned at least partially in the forefoot region and a second traction region with a second traction coefficient positioned at least partially in the arch region, and wherein the first traction coefficient is greater than the second traction coefficient.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the first traction region extends across the lateral portion, the central portion, and the medial portion of the traction surface.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the outsole includes a first outsole surface that is flat, and further wherein the traction surface includes a plurality of spaced-apart traction members that project from the first outsole surface.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein at least one traction member of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members includes a posterior segment and an anterior segment, wherein the posterior segment includes a posterior surface that tapers toward the first outsole surface at a posterior taper angle defined between a plane of the first outsole surface and the anterior segment as measured through a body of the traction member, wherein the anterior segment includes an anterior surface that tapers toward the first outsole surface at an anterior taper angle defined between the plane of the first outsole surface and the posterior surface as measured through the body of the traction member, and wherein the anterior taper angle is different than the posterior taper angle.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein each of the posterior taper angle and the anterior taper angle is less than 60 degrees.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear is an equestrian riding boot, and wherein the upper further includes a shaft that extends upwards from the shell.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper is free of a mechanical fastening mechanism configured to be selectively engaged and released by the wearer to selectively adjust the size of the upper.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the traction surface includes more than two distinct localized traction regions.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes: (i) a first traction region located in the lateral portion of the forefoot region, the central portion of the forefoot region, and the medial portion of the forefoot region; (ii) a second traction region located in the central portion of the midfoot region; and (iii) a third traction region located in the lateral portion of the midfoot region and the lateral portion of the arch region; and wherein: (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.4; (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of 0.6; and (iii) the third traction region has a traction coefficient of 0.9.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes: (i) a first traction region located in the medial portion of the toe region; (ii) a second traction region located in the central portion of the forefoot region and the medial portion of the forefoot region; (iii) a third traction region located in the medial portion of the midfoot region and the medial portion of the arch region; (iv) a fourth traction region located in the central portion of the midfoot region and the central portion of the arch region; and (v) a fifth traction region located in the lateral portion of the midfoot region and the lateral portion of the arch region; and wherein: (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.2; (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.3; (iii) the third traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.4; (iv) the fourth traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.1; and (v) the fifth traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.0.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes: (i) a first traction region located in the medial portion of the forefoot region, the central portion of the forefoot region, and the central portion of the midfoot region; (ii) a second traction region located in the lateral portion of the forefoot region; (iii) a third traction region located in the medial portion of the midfoot region, the central portion of the midfoot region, and the lateral portion of the arch region; and (iv) a fourth traction region located in the lateral portion of the midfoot region, the central portion of the arch region, and the lateral portion of the arch region; and wherein: (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.9; (ii) each of the second traction region and the third traction region has a traction coefficient of 0.9; and (iii) the fourth traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.3.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes: (i) a first traction region located in the lateral portion of the forefoot region, the central portion of the forefoot region, and the medial portion of the forefoot region; and (ii) a second traction region located in the medial portion of the midfoot region and the medial portion of the arch region; and wherein: (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.7; and (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.4.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct localized traction regions includes: (i) a first traction region located in the medial portion of the forefoot region; (ii) a second traction region located in the central portion of forefoot region, the central portion of the midfoot region, and the medial portion of the midfoot region; and (iii) a third traction region located in the lateral portion of the forefoot region and the lateral portion of the midfoot region; and wherein: (i) the first traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.3; (ii) the second traction region has a traction coefficient of 1.0; and (iii) the third traction region has a traction coefficient of 2.3.
 21. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper that includes a shell sized and shaped to receive and extend around a foot of a wearer; and a sole assembly coupled to the upper, the sole assembly including: an outsole with a traction surface positioned on a bottom side of the outsole when the wearer stands upon a flat ground surface while wearing the article of footwear; and a heel region from which a heel projects; wherein the sole assembly and the upper collectively define a foot compartment sized to receive a wearer's foot when the article of footwear is donned by the wearer; wherein the traction surface includes at least one distinct localized traction region with a corresponding traction quality; wherein the outsole includes a first outsole surface that is flat; wherein the at least one distinct localized traction region includes a plurality of spaced-apart traction members that project from the first outsole surface; wherein at least one traction member of the plurality of distinct localized traction members includes a posterior segment formed form a first material and an anterior segment formed from a second material that is different than the first material; and wherein the traction surface defines a stirrup glide surface extending from a toe region of the traction surface to an arch region of the traction surface; wherein the stirrup glide surface is configured to permit the article of footwear to be selectively inserted into and removed from a stirrup of a saddle by sliding along a tread of the stirrup without obstruction by the stirrup.
 22. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the first material includes at least one of carbon fiber, a composite material, a nylon, a thermoplastic material, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), a rubber, a resin, a polyester, a polyether, a metal, an alloy, and a metalloid, and wherein the second material includes at least one other of carbon fiber, a composite material, a nylon, a thermoplastic material, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), a rubber, a resin, a polyester, a polyether, a metal, an alloy, and a metalloid.
 23. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein the posterior segment includes a posterior surface that tapers toward the first outsole surface at a posterior taper angle defined between a plane of the first outsole surface and the posterior surface as measured through a body of the traction member, wherein the anterior segment includes an anterior surface that tapers toward the first outsole surface at an anterior taper angle defined between the plane of the first outsole surface and the anterior surface as measured through the body of the traction member, and wherein the anterior taper angle is different than the posterior taper angle.
 24. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the posterior taper angle and the anterior taper angle differ by at least 10 degrees.
 25. The article of footwear of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart traction members project less than 5 mm from a portion of the outsole immediately adjacent the traction member. 